BSS Audio BLU-160 - EN 54-16 Compliant Signal Processor with BLU Link Chassis

The BSS Audio BLU-160 is a highly versatile and EN 54-16 compliant signal processor designed to deliver superior audio performance with configurable I/O, signal processing, and a robust digital audio bus. As part of the Soundweb London family, the BLU-160 offers open architecture that is fully configurable through the HiQnet Audio Architect software, providing users with a rich palette of processing and logic objects. The intuitive "drag and drop" configuration method ensures a straightforward and familiar design environment, making it easy to tailor the processor to meet the unique needs of any application.

The BLU-160 features a low latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus that supports 256 channels, using standard Category 5e cabling for distances up to 100 meters between compatible devices. For extended installations, fiber optic media converters can be employed to increase the distance to over 40 kilometers, ensuring flexibility in various environments. The device includes four card slots that allow for customizable I/O configurations, accommodating a range of input and output cards such as Analog Input, Analog Output, Digital Input, Digital Output, AEC Input, and Telephone Hybrid Cards. Each card supports four channels, enabling the BLU-160 to adapt to a wide variety of audio processing tasks.

The processor's analog input cards offer software-configurable gain in 6dB steps up to +48dB per channel, along with software-selectable phantom power for each channel. Digital input and output cards handle AES/EBU and S/PDIF audio, providing a variety of clocking and synchronization options to suit different systems. The front panel of the BLU-160 features clear LED indications for Phantom Power, Sync, Signal Present, and Clip, allowing for quick and easy monitoring without the need for a connected PC. Additional device-specific information, such as Device Name, Device Type, Firmware Version, Time, IP Address, and Subnet Mask, can be accessed through the informative front panel display.

The BLU-160 also includes 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs, facilitating integration with GPIO-compatible devices. This allows the processor to interface seamlessly with third-party control systems using the Soundweb London Interface Kit, which is included with the HiQnet Audio Architect installation. The BLU-160 is part of a comprehensive family of Soundweb London devices, providing the building blocks for a perfectly tailored system solution. With its EN 54-16 compliance, the BLU-160 is well-suited for life safety applications, ensuring reliable operation in critical environments.

Features

• EN 54-16 compliant signal processor for life safety applications.
• Four input/output card slots for configurable I/O, supporting various input and output cards.
• Open architecture fully configurable through HiQnet Audio Architect.
• 256-channel, low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus with standard Category 5e cabling.
• Analog input cards with software-configurable gain and phantom power per channel.
• Digital input/output cards supporting AES/EBU and S/PDIF audio with multiple clocking options.
• Clear front panel LED indication for Phantom Power, Sync, Signal Present, and Clip.
• Informative front panel display for device-specific information.
• 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs for GPIO integration.
• Bi-directional locate functionality for easy identification within HiQnet Audio Architect.
• Includes Soundweb London Interface Kit for third-party control system integration.
• Configurable signal processing with a rich palette of processing and logic objects.
• Compatible with other Soundweb London family devices for scalable system solutions.

Specifications

Front Panel Led Indicators

• Per Input: Signal Present, CLIP, SYNC/48V, I/O card type (IN, OUT, DIG, AEC)
• Other: LCD Display, Data Activity

Analog Inputs

• Up to 16 electronically balanced on Phnix Combicon removable screw connectors
• Mic/Line Inputs: Nominal gain 0dB, electronically switchable up to +48dB,in +6dB steps
• Input Impedance: 3.5kΩ
• Maximum Input Level: +20dBu with 0dB input gain,+8dBu with 12dB gain
• CMRR: >75dB at 1KHz
• Input Noise (E.I.N.): <-128dBu typical with 150Ω source
• Phantom Power: 48V nominal, selectable per input
• A/D Latency: 38.7/Fs

Digital Inputs

• Up to 16 AES/EBU or S/PDIF on Phnix/Combicon removable screw connectors
• Input Impedance: 110 ohm (AES/EBU), 75 ohm (S/PDIF)
• Sample Rate: 48kHz or 96kHz
• Sample Rate Conversion: 8kHz-96kHz
• THD+N: <-140dB
• Latency: 3/Fso + (56.581/Fsi) + (55.658/Fso)

Analog Outputs

• Up to 16 electronically balanced on Phnix/Combicon removable screw connectors
• Maximum Output Level: +19dBu
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz (+0.5dB/-1dB)
• THD: <0.01% 20Hz to 20KHz, +10dBu output
• Dynamic Range: 108dB typical, 22Hz-22KHz unweighted
• Crosstalk: <-75dB
• D/A Latency: 28/Fs

Digital Outputs

• Up to 16 AES/EBU or S/PDIF on Phnix/Combicon removable screw connectors
• Output Impedance: 110 ohm (AES/EBU), 75 ohm (S/PDIF)
• Sample Rate: 48kHz or 96kHz
• Sample Rate Conversion: 8kHz-96kHz
• THD+N: <-140dB
• Latency: 3/Fso + (56.581/Fsi) + (55.658/Fso)

Control Ports

• 12 inputs and 6 outputs
• Control Input Voltage: 0 to 4.5v
• Control Input Impedance: 4.7kΩ to +5V (2-wire mode), >1MΩ (3-wire mode)
• Logic Output Voltage: 0 or +5V unloaded
• Logic Output Impedance: 440Ωs
• Logic Output Current: 10mA source, 60mA sink

Watchdog Output

• Phnix/Combicon connector for failsafe control
• Opto Output Current: 14mA maximum
• Withstanding Voltage: 80V maximum (Off)
• Series Impedance: 220Ω (isolated)

Control Network

• Connectors: RJ45 Ethernet connector
• Maximum Cable Length: 100m/300ft on Category 5 cable between device and Ethernet switch

Digital Audio Bus

• Connectors: 2 x RJ45 Ethernet connectors
• Maximum Cable Length: 100m/300ft on Category 5e cable between devices
• Maximum Number of Nodes: 60
• Latency Per Node: 4(+/-1)Fs

Power and Dimensions

• Mains Voltage: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Power Consumption: <35VA
• BTU Rating: <188 BTU/hr
• Operating Temperature Range: 0° to 45° C (32° to 113° F)
• Dimensions (H(U) x W x D): 1.75" (1U) x 19" x 12.5" (45mm x 483mm x 318mm)
• Weight: 9 lbs / 4.1 kgs (estimated)